Shah Rukh Khan Reveals Health Struggles from Method Acting in 'Devdas': 'It Took a Toll on Me'

Shah Rukh Khan recently shared insights into his role as an alcoholic in the 2002 period drama Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Speaking at the Locarno Film Festival, Shah Rukh revealed that he turned to method acting for the role and began drinking alcohol to connect more deeply with the character. While this approach helped him professionally—earning him the Best Actor award the following year—it also had negative effects on his health. Reflecting on the experience, Shah Rukh said, "It might have helped, but I started drinking after the film, and that’s one downside to it."

Shah Rukh explained that he wanted the character to be complex. “I didn’t want people to love him or hate him. Nor did I want the audience to like him just because he was an alcoholic running away from every woman he loved. I simply wanted him to feel indescribable,” he said.

Devdas is one of Bollywood’s most iconic films. The movie, produced by Bharat Shah, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and featured a hit soundtrack by Ismail Darbar. Made on a then-record budget of ₹50 crore, Devdas grossed ₹99.88 crore globally.

Shah Rukh Khan’s next project is 'King', a crime drama directed by Sujoy Ghosh, where he will star alongside his daughter, Suhana Khan. The film is set to release on Eid 2026.